CVE-2008-3000 in Aggregation module
Summary
by MITRE
The Aggregation module 5.x before 5.x-4.4 for Drupal, when node access modules are used, does not properly implement access control, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended restrictions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3000 affects the Aggregation module in Drupal version 5.x prior to 5.x-4.4, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security framework of content management systems relying on node access controls. This issue specifically manifests when node access modules are implemented within the Drupal environment, creating a scenario where unauthorized users can bypass intended content restrictions through remote exploitation. The vulnerability stems from improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the aggregation functionality, which serves as a core component for collecting and displaying content from multiple sources within the Drupal platform.
The technical flaw lies in the Aggregation module's failure to properly validate user permissions when processing aggregated content requests. When node access modules are active, they typically enforce restrictions based on user roles and permissions, ensuring that users can only access content they are authorized to view. However, the vulnerable Aggregation module does not adequately check these access controls during the content aggregation process, allowing attackers to request and receive content that should be restricted to specific user groups. This bypass occurs at the application layer where the module processes aggregation requests without proper authentication verification, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain access to sensitive content that may include confidential data, unpublished articles, restricted user information, or other protected resources within the Drupal system. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the affected Drupal site. The implications are severe for organizations relying on Drupal for content management, as it undermines the entire access control architecture and potentially exposes business-critical information to unauthorized parties. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage for affected organizations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Drupal 5.x-4.4 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper access control implementation. The fix typically involves strengthening the aggregation module's permission checking mechanisms to ensure that all content requests undergo proper authentication validation before being processed. Additionally, administrators should review and audit existing node access module configurations to identify any potential misconfigurations that might exacerbate the vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level restrictions and monitoring for unusual aggregation requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering, as it enables unauthorized access through legitimate system functionality. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential access control weaknesses that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability, ensuring that their Drupal installations maintain proper security posture and compliance with industry standards.